Samovar Tea Lounge (Castro) (CLOSED)

A stark contrast to its minimalist sister store in the Mission, Samovar's light-flooded Castro lounge encourages lingering, decked with colorful, comfy pillows, scarlet curtains and carved wooden tables. The most coveted spot is the raised table in the corner, where diners perch on pillows with their feet dangling into the floor. Black, oolong, green, herbal and pu-erh (aged) teas line the bar in silver canisters. For those craving something more substantial than finger foods, the tea services here span Japanese, English, Russian and Moorish tastes, ranging from smoked salmon and seaweed salad to grilled halloumi cheese and edamame hummus.